Thinking About a Website for Your Small Business? Start Here.
Most small business owners know they need a website, but few understand what’s actually involved in the process. This post (and video) is your executive summary — an overview of the key decisions, steps, and pitfalls to help you plan a website that actually works for your business.
Why Your Website Matters
Plenty of business owners try to get by with just a Facebook or Instagram page. The problem? You don’t own it. Algorithms change, reach drops, and your information is never guaranteed to be seen.
Your website is different:
You own it — which means you control the narrative.
It builds trust — clients see that your business is legitimate and reliable.
It drives leads — from contact forms, email opt-ins, and booking systems.
It saves time — with automation like online bookings and payments.
It’s always on — clients can find you 24/7, even outside business hours.
Key Decisions Before You Start
Before you hire a designer or open a DIY template, get clear on these:
Purpose & Goals – Do you want leads, sales, authority, or all of the above?
Budget – From $1,500 DIY builds to $10K+ custom sites, know what’s realistic.
Timeline – Most small business websites take 4–8 weeks once started, plus lead time.
Ongoing Management – Will you DIY, hire a contractor, or use a platform that handles updates?
Platform Choice – For most small businesses, all-in-one platforms like Squarespace are the easiest to manage.
The 5 Steps to Building a Website
Here’s the process I guide my clients through:
Strategy & Planning – Goals, page list, user flow, roles, and responsibilities.
Branding & Design – Making sure visuals match your business and brand.
Content & Copy – Sales copy, images, and video that connect with your audience.
Build & Tech Setup – The design, integrations, and functionality.
Launch & Training – Going live, ironing out bugs, and training your team.
Jargon Buster
A few quick definitions so you’re not lost in designer-speak:
Domain – Your www address.
Hosting – Where your site’s files live.
CMS (Content Management System) – The platform your site runs on (Squarespace, WordPress, Wix).
SEO (Search Engine Optimization) – Optimizing your site for Google.
GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) – Optimizing for AI search tools like ChatGPT.
Responsive – Your site looks good on mobile, tablet, and desktop.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Waiting too long – Missed growth and lost trust are hard to measure.
Underestimating time & resources – DIY quickly gets overwhelming.
No clear goals – Pretty sites that don’t convert don’t pay the bills.
Ignoring SEO – Without it, no one finds your site.
After Launch: Keeping It Alive
Your website isn’t “set it and forget it.” To keep it working:
Keep your content fresh (blog or strong local SEO).
Handle updates & security (Squarespace does this for you).
Track analytics after 3–6 months and adjust for better results.
Plan for growth with new pages or features as your business evolves.
Ready to Plan Your Website?
If you’re thinking about a new site, grab my free Website Project Roadmap. It walks you through all of these decisions step by step, with space to capture your ideas so you’re prepared when you hire a designer — or even if you DIY.
